England and Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham is Liverpool's main midfield target amid a three-way battle to sign him, according to Florian Plettenberg.
The Lowdown: Bellingham a wanted man
The 19-year-old is impressing for the Three Lions at the 2022 World Cup currently, starting both of his country's matches in the tournament to date, and scoring the opener in the 6-2 win over Iran.
Bellingham is arguably one of the most sought-after players in world football, and Liverpool have long been linked with a big-money move for him in recent months.
There is set to be a fierce battle to sign the midfielder and a new update suggests that the Reds are right in the mix.
The Latest: Liverpool's 'top target'
Taking to Twitter, Sky Sport journalist Plettenberg claimed that Manchester United have all but dropped out of the race, adding that Liverpool see him as their 'top target', and Jurgen Klopp is 'pushing' for a deal:
"Been told that #MUFC hardly has a chance anymore. Triple fight: Liverpool, City, Real! #LFC & Klopp pushing! But not at any price due to FFP. Price: Up to €150m! JB is LFCs top target for central midfield - next to 2 players from South America."
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The Verdict: A special footballer
The main stumbling block behind Liverpool's attempts to sign Bellingham is money, with the teenager someone who will cost easily a club-record fee for the Reds.
Qualifying for the Champions League is also absolutely paramount if they are to get him, with Liverpool lingering in sixth place in the Premier League table at the moment.
Should Klopp manage to entice the Dortmund starlet to Anfield, however, it would have the potential to be one of the most pivotal signings the club have made in decades.
Bellingham is a truly special footballer who is already starting at World Cups, not to mention scoring four goals in five Champions League outings this season and already making 112 appearances for Dortmund, and he could transform an ailing midfield with his quality, dynamism and long-term potential.